Natural SunscreenBenefiting, Finding and Applying It

A natural sunscreen is a must-have item in everybody's personal grooming kit for obvious reasons.

With the alarming increase in the incidence rate of skin cancer in many countries including the United States, Australia and New Zealand, you must take the necessary measure for sun protection. Skin cancer is costly and deadly, too, just like other forms of cancer.

Keep in mind that where sun protection is concerned, your first line of defense is always the right application of the right sunscreen preferably organic. Clothes, sunglasses and hats are in many ways secondary prevention methods to a natural sunscreen albeit a close second.

Benefiting from Natural Ingredients

Why the emphasis on organic-sunscreen when the commercial sunscreens are easily available?

In contrast, commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that result in side effects like skin rashes and allergies as well as faster skin ageing.

You must look out for these potentially toxic ingredients in commercial sunscreen. Your skin will be better off without these harsh chemicals:

• Phenylbenzimidazole

• Octyl salicyclate

• Trolamine salicyclate

• Dioxybenzone

• Para amino benzoic acid

• Menthyl anthranilate

• Oxybenzone

• Octocrylene

• Avobenzone

• Cinoxate

You skin will be protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays without exposure to harsh chemicals. So, the next time you apply sun protection, make sure it's a natural sunscreen.

Finding the Best in [Natural Sunscreens]

But just because a sunscreen is labeled organic, natural and other similar terms does not necessarily mean that it is. You must carefully choose the organic sunscreen according to these criteria:

• Provides for both UVA and UVB protection with UVC protection as a bonus

• Contains non-toxic ingredients that have not been tested on animals

• Offers a consistent level of protection upon application

• Possesses biodegradable qualities since the water can become polluted with the accumulation of non-biodegradable sunscreen ingredients

You may have to experiment with a wide selection of natural-sunscreens in the market to see which one works the best. You can also ask family and friends who have used these natural sunscreens and found them effective in UV protection.

Applying Only the Best

Brands like Mexoryl, Blue Lizard, Banana Boat, Coppertone and Bullfrog sunscreens are the best in the market. You will find that the cost for each bottle is well worth it in terms of the excellent sun protection provided for kids and adults.

But even the best natural sunscreens will have little effect in lessening your risks for sunburns and skin cancer if these are not applied properly.

You have to apply in on the exposed areas of the skin at least 30 minutes before going out. Then, don't run it into the skin since the best way is to let it sit on top and dry on its own.

A

natural sunscreen
is only as good as how you selected and applied it the best way possible. And do remember to use ultraviolet-protective clothes, sunglasses and head gear while you are at it.